TWO THINGS

Posted on January 25, 2022 by oneta hayes

I wind up my birthday learnin’s, lessons, and leanin’s, I say Good Night, Dear Bloggers. with this rather short post.

I am not going into the memories and thankfulness, they will come later with some new pictures and such.

Now for the TWO THINGS. These I believe come from the Lord, and I share because I think that is a reason God lets me be ‘me’ on this blogging journey.

  1. I am 88 today – not 78, 58, or ever 78 – 88 it is. I am growing older. Physically, I will have more challenges to deal with. That was brought to my awareness when I almost stumbled and fell in front of Renee this evening. No reason that either of us could see. I asked her to be sure to remind me to use my walker more. There is something wrong if I only write 87 memories and lessons. I will write them as lessons or as an invitation to you to join in my ramifications. I have learned some things from you as you share your lessons from your lives,. I just read a post from Kristi Ann. I cannot find a place to say thanks to her on her post. But it was important to me. I lot of you know me as a regular reader. I learn much from you also. And I am sometimes blessed with the time to drop in just because! Those are all good. Thank you. so again – I am blessed to be 88. I accept that with grace from my Lord, Jesus Christ.
  2. # Two. … Number 2 … Number Two? ….. Com in, Number Two ,,,,,, Hold on, Friends, while I search for Number Two. Oh, here is #2. Sometime #2 is as hard to find in my brain as the Correct Image Block if for me to find right here on WP 😀 This hit home to me a few hours ago (ten o’clock) when I had a pleasant surprise awakening when I waked from my “nap.” I thought it was ten o’clock in the morning. I had to deliberate remember what an why some things were happening. It was not fun. You all know the “what-did-I-come-in-here-for” moments. Oh, Yes, changes are great that you have experienced them even if you are only 48.

If these two things continue to happen, I must know they come with the added blessings from God. Those things that lead me “from glory to glory” and share them with you as a testimony to lead us every step in his glory

For one thing, I have not “watered the pathway” of my kids, thieir kids, and their kids kids, with my tears as I hope to do this year. They are so precious. Evil is so bad. https://onetahayes.com/2021/10/31/whats-she-for/

Good night as I schedule this for in the morning before I awake. So Good Night and Good Morning! 😀

Posted in aging, birthday, report | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

THAT BIG OLE YELLA DOG GOT ME!

Posted on January 22, 2022 by oneta hayes

I’ve been fighting back with all four feet in a manner of speaking. But it came right on into my dwelling place. I haven’t been terribly, painfully, sick but it takes all I can do to get any kind of “move on.” Yes, I wrote of the Covid Fear on Jan. 11. I guess it had already snuck it’s way in at that time. Sammy and I have been diligent about staying in and keeping the virus “holed” up here. I do have cabin fever!

We haven’t demonstrated many of the symptoms as found on the Covid19 charts. We are congested but do not have any trouble breathing. Good thing for me. My doctor is “out to lunch” when it comes to getting any help from her! Roger and Renee are very helpful and keep us medicated with wisdom and intelligence.

I think we have probably had the Omicron variant. I’ve had a low fever, but no headaches, sore throat, or breathing difficulties.

I’ve read four novels by Linda Nichols. Enjoyed them all. Lost a lot of weight because I don’t have much appetite. Found the precious Spirit of the Lord has been close. But he has not granted an answer which I would have liked; you know the “make it all go away” prayer.

I might be a while getting back to you but I did want to explain my absence. I just dumped over a thousand e-mail notifications. Had to give up on my reading. I know I passed on a lot of good posts, but cannot do justice with this mindset I have right now.

Hope you are all doing well. God is good. And He doesn’t make mistakes. Wish I could say as much for our USA Government. Maybe it is good that the country is sort of slowed down for a time. Who knows?

Posted in COVID19, report | Tagged , , , | 27 Comments

COVID’S WEAPON – FEAR

Posted on January 11, 2022 by oneta hayes
Photo by Daria Sannikova on Pexels.com

        In these days of Covid, one is not allowed to feel puny!  And I fell for it.  Okay, I’ll back up a bit.

        Last week I began to feel bad, slept a lot, and took a lot of Tylenol.  Didn’t walk Thursday or Friday.  Good for the weekend when I don’t walk anyway.  I was going to get back with my regular routine today. 

        But my sister came; she didn’t stay because Sammy was sick.  She didn’t want to catch anything.  She is right; I shouldn’t go out and spread any germs around.  Fear.

        I had planned a family get-together for this weekend but I called it off.  Why?  Fear.  I was going to have my nails done, but I called it off.  Why?  Fear.  I had an appointment for a hearing aid check, but I called it off.  Why?  Fear. 

        Decided not to do any blogging this week except for Bloganuary which is easy and doesn’t take much planning, or thinking.  After all, my mind is dull.  Is a dull mind a sign of Covid?  I don’t know, but it might be.  Fear. 

         Have I checked all the symptoms to be sure I’m not getting Covid?  Fear.

        A couple of hours ago, I remembered back in the days when I would have to take some sick leave from school.  Back then what I had was called a Common Cold.  I doubled up on my Vitamin C!  I don’t think it ever lasted longer than three days.  What has changed from those days when one could have a cold, take some aspirin, and get back at the mill in a few days?  Fear.  Covid.

I’m not saying Covid is not to be feared; I’m saying a cold is not to be feared. I will stay at home and not spread my virus around; I’ll double up on my vitamin C, but I’ll not be bullied into fear.

2 Tim. 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Posted in COVID19 | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

GIFTS TO THE SENSES

Posted on January 10, 2022 by oneta hayes

BLOGANUARY JANUARY 10 – WHAT ARE 5 THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR TODAY?

I need structure of some kind to choose the five things I’m most thankful for, so I have decided to choose one item that pleases each of my five senses.

Sight. There are so many pictures of beautiful sunsets in these wide-open plains where I live. They are particularly gorgeous this time of year. Does temperature change have anything to do with their beauty? I don’t know but I appreciate the Lord’s artistic blessings of color.

Hearing. My sons and their wives bought me an unusual style wall clock. It is unique in many ways. When it changes hours, many moving parts provide action and music.

Taste. I tend to like heavy kinds of food which are more fitting during cold weather than during summer. So I indulge in tacos, chili, beans, and potato soup.

Touch. Oh, the comfort of silky, soft, and warm blankets, wraps, and robes!

Smell. Of course, we are still in the pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and cedarwood season. They are nice but even better is when I get to smell the homemade bread Renee bakes. Add the smell of a wood-burning fireplace to make it perfect.

*********

https://bloganuary.wordpress.com/2022/01/10/daily-prompt-january-10-2022/

Posted in #daily-prompt, Bloganuary, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

GABBY EXTROVERT?

Posted on January 9, 2022 by oneta hayes

BLOGANUARY, Prompt #9 What do people incorrectly assume about me?

Nobody ever cuts me out to have worked as hard as I have to become a “gabby extrovert.” I started off as a timid and quiet child. I remember when I would crawl under the table because I was embarrassed to be noticed. My Great-Uncle Dick called me a pouter. I dare say that did not help me any to grow out of my shell.

I loved grammar but I hated composition of any form. After I I had taught school a few years, I applied to a college to get my Master’s Degree. The application asked me to turn the page over and write a paragraph about myself. I was petrified. They did accept me but I’m sure it was for other reasons than my ability to write an interesting bio paragraph.

As time passed I found that if I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, he would equip me to do what he asked of me. I did have to go out of my comfort zone many times but I learned to love to meet new people and in my desire to make them comfortable I had to take the lead in forming acquaintances.

I was over fifty before I ever wrote anything to be shared with others. Still for many years, my writing was private. Until blogging… That has made a “gabby extrovert” out of me.

**************

https://bloganuary.wordpress.com/2022/01/09/daily-prompt-january-9-2022/

Posted in #daily-prompt, Bloganuary, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

PRAISE HIM

Posted on January 9, 2022 by oneta hayes

PRAISE: God from whom all blessings flow:

PRAY: Our Father, who art in Heaven, Blessed be your Wonderful Name, Your Acts, Your Love. Thank you for your daily provisions to us for our earthly and spiritual good.

PRAISE: Him all creatures here below.

PRAY: May all your creation praise you in the measure of ability and talents you have given for that purpose. Help us to do the unpleasant things that you require such as forgiving those who hurt us, loving and praying for our enemies, and being generous with our time and money.

PRAISE: Him above ye Heavenly Hosts;

PRAY: You are worthy all honor and power and glory. Thank you that unseen holy beings have perfected praise to you. Make our praise to be sincere, holy, pure and without pretense just as the praise which is given you by the Heavenly Hosts.

PRAISE: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

PRAY; Thank you, – Father, Son and Holy Ghost—for the absolute marvel that you are…that You, the Triune God, the Great I Am, care to become all things for all men. Father, the Creating Provider; Son, the saving and sanctifying Savior; Holy Ghost, the inviting, comforting, Guardian and Guide.

***********

Cut, edit, paste this post from April, 2017

Posted in doxology, prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

MATH OR DOODLES?

Posted on January 8, 2022 by oneta hayes

Teacher notes in Jeron’s folder “He’s capable but unmotivated.”  Succeeding years revealed the same conclusions from teachers, principles, and counselors.  They tried. 

The turn=around happened in a high school math class.  Jeron was doodling in his workbook instead of doing math.  Mr. Taylor told Jeron to turn in a “pictorial essay” in which he expresses his feelings about math and doodling. 

Jeron did so.  His picture consisted of a swamp with river reeds, cattails, and azaleas. 

Mr. Taylor is watching as Jeron draws in public square.  Jeron has earned $700 today.  He will give the expense/income figures to his accountant.

*********************************************

Rochelle hosts the 100 word picture prompt at https://rochellewisoff.com/ PHOTO PROMPT © Brenda Cox

Posted in Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle's picture prompt, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

EVALUATING MY CHURCH

Posted on January 8, 2022 by oneta hayes

Several years ago I was standing in the congregation singing worship songs when it pierced my mind that we only sang songs in worship to God—Like “Exalt Him” or “Awesome God.  If a Hebrew, Muslim, or Sun Worshipper were standing beside me, we could be singing the same song.  We hardly ever sang a song which mentioned Jesus.  That punched me hard!  I believe our only communication to the Father is through his Son via the Holy Ghost.  Did those songs ever reach the throne of God? 

I believe that our One God is Triune, so maybe so.  I know we must go through Jesus Christ for salvation.  Probably for praise also.  I do recognize that the Lord’s Prayer allows us to address “Our Father” so I’m not too dogmatic about this issue. 

However, that is one of the issues that set me on a “Jesus Quest.”  I could go to my own church first service then go visiting other churches.  I found the same situations in nearly all of them.  Most childrens’ department were decorated with “hip” Bible characters or beautiful animals from the Creation Story.  Do you suppose the children were ever told that the Creation was by Jesus?  It was—according to John.

I checked literature at the kiosks.  Read through the mission statements, themes, Logos, Slogans.  Very little showed Jesus in the church.

Here are the slogans: 

Passion for a Deeper Life

Growing Together

Where No One is Left Behind & There’s Always Room For You

A Family of People Just Like You

Great City, Great People, Great Life

Big God! Live Loud!

For People Who Thought They Would Never Like Church

The Church that LAF’s    – Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness

Helping You Get to the Other Side

Two Baptists and one Pentecostal mentions Christ/Jesus

BAPTIST – Sharing God’s love to transform people into full devoted followers of Christ.

BAPTIST – Helping People Know Jesus, Become Family,  Serve the World,

Pentecostal – Christ-centered church building Christ-centered people

What does this say about Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life – our means of salvation?       

I have loved all my church homes  – small, middle-sized, and large.  I have never had a mega-church as my home church.  I know some people who do, and they appear to be happy  – extremely loyal, but often not very faithful in attendance.  I do believe church size contributes to its member’s maturity.  The ability of the small church to nurture and teach one another, their accountability to one another, and generally their individual relationship with Jesus are the things that large churches form cell groups to attain; however, they probably do not have enough resources to have many ministries and helps to meet needs for different ages, interests, and problems.  So, Small Church, be careful to not grow in.  A large church provides a fantastic range of helps, ministries, talents, money, skills, and other resources to get things done; however, members in large churches can get by without being discipled, without being accountable, and without knowing Jesus.  So, Large Church, be careful to not grow out.  Small and Large Churches, recognize and appreciate the strengths of each other, thereby, helping you all to grow up.

Posted in church, church growth, Jesus Quest, my church, growing in, growing out, growing up, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

FUNNY IS….

Posted on January 7, 2022 by oneta hayes

Funny to me that a quip, joke, or short story have an unexpected and humorous ending. For that reason, I love puns. “Did you hear about the kidnapping? He woke up.” “What do mama camels have that nothing else has? Baby camels.”

Telling stories about my own mess-ups are funny. I hardly remember any dreams except funny ones.. Now I am not a gambler. I even avoid one dollar lottery tickets; if it is a good cause, I generally donate, or tell the seller to write in his name.

But I would participate in penny-bingo, but ten dollar bingo? No way. In my dream today, I went to a $10 bingo game. I was astounded. It was being given my a group of my Christian lady friends. I remarked to one that we must have turned into the big-time with costs like that. She put her head down and began to cry at my criticism. I was so sorry. I put my head on hers and begged forgiveness; she would not give it. So I decided I must do something to keep all my other friends from turning against me. I went to the tables to join them in an effort to make amends. They were all putting the cards away. I was too late! I woke without finding out whether or not all my friends were mad at me. 😀

If you like that dream, you will love the one about my husband and me https://onetahayes.com/2017/12/21/casserole-dreams-and-sammy/

****************************

Bloganuary https://bloganuary.wordpress.com/ #daily-prompt Prompt for January 7 “What Makes Me Laugh?”

Posted in #daily-prompt, Bloganuary | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

FOXES IN THE VINEYARD

Posted on January 7, 2022 by oneta hayes

This is my fourth (and last) post regarding the condition of Christ’s vineyard – his local churches. The other three were posted Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

BUT SEE THE LITTLE FOXES dancing around in the shadows where the foxes are feeding.  Foxes of compromise and rational thinking.  Ruining the fruit.  When does love become jealousy? When is joy only laughter?  Human worry is only natural, but peace is disappearing.  Impatience and harsh words have “bullied” out our longsuffering and gentleness.  Goodness and meekness are giving way to greed and power.  Faith is strong only when or if health and bank accounts flourish.  Compulsions have replaced temperance. 

BEWARE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS foxes of criticism, selfishness, pride, and hypocrisy.  And watch out for the foxes of laziness, lethargy, and isolation.  Pride is often the biggest fox of all.  I had a friend who was a lawyer who quit going to a large church.  He said it was because the pastor liked to recognize him in the church congregation, but when he met the pastor at Walmart, the pastor did not know him.

TOO OFTEN THERE ARE foxes of immorality hiding among the congregation.  Foxes of pornography, adultery, even murder!  True.  Believe me, we were bowled over when one of our dear ladies was convicted of murdering her husband.  She is in prison. 

THE BIBLE SUPPORTS the Church welcoming and loving all these kinds of people.  It is where they need to come to get help and they should find an abundance of acceptance and love.  However, it does not support ignoring or accepting these sins among those who claim to be Christians.  Paul was quit harsh with the Corinthians church who were ignoring an immoral brother in their midst.  (1 Cor. 5)

I’M SURE THERE ARE more foxes, but my purpose is not to name foxes.  My purpose is to bring awareness to them and say they must be killed (or neutralized at least). 

WHETHER THEY CAN BE KILLED by an all-out assault on them by the blood of Jesus or whether you are going to let them live but neutralize them every day, I will leave to the theologians, but something has to be done with them if we are going to live holy.  “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Heb 12:14 NIV))  That is only possible when we are in Jesus.  The righteousness of Jesus is our holiness.  But that does not absolve us from living holy lives.  “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (I Thes. 4:7)  And only true Christians can claim His righteousness.  Those who have been born again  – who are new creatures in Christ Jesus. 

NOTE: There was some question about what church I have based these remarks and conclusions. It was an amalgamation from several different churches. If I remember correctly it involved seven Pentecostal, one Baptist, and one Church of Christ. Several years ago (15 or more) I went on what I called a “Jesus Quest” during which I wrote a manuscript. One chapter was called “The Vineyard.”

Posted in church growth, the vineyard, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments